Ken was born in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Ireland on July 18, 1938 to Charles and Rebecca “Ruby” (Wakefield) Cunningham. When he was 17 he went to Northern Scotland with his brothers, Brendan and Tommy, to work on the hydro schemes.
Ken immigrated to New York in 1959. He enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Stuttgart Germany. Upon arriving back in New York he started his long career working for Carpenters Locals 608 and 210, he had various jobs over the years and notably worked to construct the Twin Towers, “The Met”, and the Philippine Embassy. He worked closely in construction and carpentry with his brothers Stanley, Tommy and Brendan throughout the years; specifically in Stamford, where he earned his nickname “Sledgewick”.
Ken, his wife, Nora, along with his daughter, Anne, also opened and operated the Pot O’Gold Irish Gift Shop in Danbury and he was happy to share his love and knowledge of Ireland with the community.
Ken is survived by his three children: Stephen (Maria); Anne Forsberg (Clint), who he resided with; and his special son, Kenny, Jr. The love and care that he took of Kenny was something that everyone admired. He and Kenny Jr. were fans of watching both the Yankees and the Giants and loved listening to Irish music while sitting out on the back deck during the summer. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Alanna & Luke Forsberg; Kauri & Ashleigh Cunningham; and Daniel Lounsbury. Many nieces and nephews in the U.S., Ireland, England and Spain also survive.
He was predeceased by his parents; brothers: Francis, George, Charles Stanley, Thomas, Christopher Brendan; and his sister, Kathleen O’Neill.
Ken was a friend of Bill W., a member of AA, and sober for 52 years. He supported and nurtured sobriety in others and was admired for his longevity, wisdom, spirit and wit.
A Memorial Gathering will be held from 4:00pm - 7:00pm on Monday, March 11, 2024 at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury, CT. A Prayer Service will be conducted at 6:45pm on Monday evening.
In lieu of flowers, contribution’s in Ken’s memory may be made to the Hole in the Wall Gang, 555 Long Warf Dr., New Haven, CT 06511 (www.holeinthewallgang.org); or the Special Olympics, 2600 Virginia Ave. NW, Washington, CT 20037 (www.support.specialolympics.org).
